She added: “Also, for legal reasons, the limited information I have about the Scottish Government investigation cannot at this stage be shared with the party - and rightly it is the party, not me as leader, that has the power to suspend membership.

“In summary, the party has no legal basis at this time to suspend Alex Salmond’s membership.

“Of course, should that situation change, the matter will be reconsidered, as it would be for any member.

“The party’s rules apply to all members and no one is above them.”

The claims about Mr Salmond’s conduct towards two staff members in 2013 - while he was in office - have been handed to Police Scotland.

Leslie Evans, Permanent Secretary at the Scottish Government, said the complaints were raised in January and Mr Salmond was notified in March about an investigation.